PBP Commentary

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Pawel Ufcowski jr (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class) and Aoki Funkyama (ranked 0 p4p, 0 weight class). Chooooooooon! I think Ufcowski jr might be my favorite fighter, now he's come out to Slipknot - Duality . Funkyama has chosen as his entrance music, which hasn't gone down very well with the crowd. Pawel Ufcowski jr is staring across the cage at his opponent, tweaking his nipples... Tweaking his own nipples that is.

Ufcowski jr
vs
Funkyama

183 cm
30
166 lbs
26 - 10 - 1

175 cm
36
169 lbs
26 - 10 - 0

Abu Dhabi Champ
World class boxer
Cardio machine

Excellent grappler
Excellent MT
Granite chin

Fury Nutrition Inc.

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 5 rounds, for the lightweight championship of the world!
Introducing the champion to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 26 - 10 - 1, fighting out of Montreal, Pawel Ufcowski jr!
And introducing the challenger to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 26 - 10 - 0, fighting out of Montreal, Aoki Funkyama!
The judges for this bout are Gregory Folan, Trevor Gratis and Yves DeLean.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Ufcowski jr leaves Funkyama with his face pressed against the mat as he sprawls beautifully, defending against a solid takedown attempt.
Ufcowski jr throws a decent looking leg kick but it doesn't land clean.
We've been told by Ufcowski jr's head coaches at School Of Fighting that he's been working on his takedown defense in preparation for this fight.
Funkyama with a lazy takedown attempt
and Ufcowski jr counters with a nice jab to the body that keeps Funkyama thinking.
Funkyama with a lazy takedown attempt
and Ufcowski jr counters with a stiff right hand.
Pawel Ufcowski jr has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Aoki Funkyama.
A low kick from Ufcowski jr is predictable there

and Funkyama counters with a nice shoot takedown that brings the fighters to the ground.
Funkyama throwing strikes from guard but Ufcowski jr blocks nicely.
Funkyama pressing down on his opponent's thigh, looking to pass guard. Ufcowski jr is keeping the position for now.
Ufcowski jr wants to sweep here but Funkyama controlling him for the moment.
Funkyama throws a strike but Ufcowski jr rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.
Funkyama has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Ufcowski jr won't allow Funkyama to sweep him here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ufcowski jr controls from within his opponent's guard.
Ufcowski jr advances position into side control!
Funkyama is trying to get back to half guard.
Ufcowski jr trying to control the position but Funkyama is working away.
Funkyama is looking for a sweep.
Ufcowski jr wants to lay and pray for a moment but Funkyama keeps working.
Ufcowski jr wants to stand but Funkyama has his arm trapped.
Funkyama tries to buck Ufcowski jr off but Ufcowski jr is having none of it.
Funkyama gets one leg under and gets the fight to half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Funkyama is trying to control but can't.
Ufcowski jr with a momentary lay and pray from half guard.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Funkyama is looking for a sweep. Ufcowski jr is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.

Funkyama actively working from the bottom here.
Ufcowski jr perhaps working for something from half guard, or maybe not. It looks like he's just sitting there.
Ufcowski jr's ground tactics aren't going to win him many fans. Let's hope he's got fireworks for us if he gets back to his feet because he's not doing much on the ground.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Funkyama is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Ufcowski jr slows the pace down in half guard.

Pawel Ufcowski jr has forced the referee to step in and bring the fight back to the feet.
Ufcowski jr misses with a low kick as Funkyama jumps back.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Funkyama moves out of range as Ufcowski jr throws a body kick.
Ufcowski jr misses with a two punch combination.
Funkyama goes for a double leg but Ufcowski jr avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Ufcowski jr continues to drive forward.
Ufcowski jr tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Funkyama's elbow.
Ufcowski jr throws a head punch that misses.
Ufcowski jr tries to work over Funkyama's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Ufcowski jr looking to stall.
Funkyama is looking for a takedown.
Ufcowski jr struggles to land a body shot inside as Funkyama controls his hands.
Ufcowski jr stalling in the clinch but Funkyama improves position.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ufcowski jr prevents a takedown attempt there.
Ufcowski jr trying to stall but Funkyama improves his position.
Ufcowski jr is trying to break the clinch but Funkyama is controlling him.
Funkyama has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Ufcowski jr after a bit of a struggle.
Ufcowski jr prevents the takedown attempt.

Ufcowski jr has hold of one of Funkyama's legs. Funkyama is fighting the takedown attempt but Ufcowski jr gets the trip and lands the takedown into guard.
Ufcowski jr scoring with some ground and pound.
Ufcowski jr stopping the sweep attempt from Funkyama.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

Funkyama has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Ufcowski jr can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Funkyama keeping moving, preventing Ufcowski jr from controlling successfully.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Pawel Ufcowski jr will probably get the nod.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action.

Funkyama moves out of range of the strikes.
Ufcowski jr paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Ufcowski jr looks to land a right hand but Funkyama moved out of range.
Funkyama slips a jab and a cross from Ufcowski jr.
Funkyama takes a head kick and keeps coming.
Funkyama darts in looking for a takedown but Ufcowski jr gets double underhooks and turns Funkyama into the cage.
Funkyama is working for takedown but Ufcowski jr is calmly controlling the position for now.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Funkyama.
Ufcowski jr prevents the takedown attempt.
Pawel Ufcowski jr has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Aoki Funkyama.
Funkyama wants a takedown.
Funkyama is trying to drag Ufcowski jr to the mat but Ufcowski jr just about manages to keep his footing. He used the cage to his advantage there.
Funkyama goes for a takedown attempt but Ufcowski jr pushes him away and we're back to fighting at a distance.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ufcowski jr lands with a head kick! That's gotta hurt.
Funkyama takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Aoki Funkyama is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.
Ufcowski jr throws a sloppy head kick and Funkyama moves out of range easily.

Funkyama tries to sprawl but Ufcowski jr drives through with a takedown into half guard.
Funkyama is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Ufcowski jr trying to control the action but Funkyama is working from the bottom.

Funkyama looking for submissions from an awkward position here.
Ufcowski jr content to sit in half guard and control for a moment.
Ufcowski jr trying to control from Funkyama's half guard. Funkyama has other ideas though and has regained full guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Funkyama is looking for a guillotine. You can't force these things though and Ufcowski jr defends well.
Funkyama keeping full guard, as Ufcowski jr tries to pass.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Funkyama keeping moving, preventing Ufcowski jr from controlling successfully.
Funkyama will have to put a bit more behind his punches if he's going to do any damage from this position.
Ufcowski jr is looking to stand up but Funkyama won't let him.
Funkyama manages to sweep nicely, so he's now on top. Ufcowski jr manages to get himself to full guard.
Funkyama postures up in Ufcowski jr's guard and throws a big left but Ufcowski jr blocks it.
In the pre-fight buildup videos we saw Funkyama working his ground and pound in the gym. He isn't landing a great percentage of his ground strikes so far though.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Funkyama trying to control but Ufcowski jr is working from the bottom.
Ufcowski jr pulls Funkyama in to control the position.
Pawel Ufcowski jr overall seems to be getting the better of the ground position in the fight so far.
Funkyama throws a strike but Ufcowski jr rolls with it and manages to sweep. Now he's in guard on top.
Ufcowski jr tries to free his leg and advance position but Funkyama is retaining full guard.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Funkyama is trying to control the position from the bottom.

Funkyama has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Ufcowski jr can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.

Funkyama looking for submissions off his back, moving his hips, looking for an opening.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ufcowski jr wants to control from the top but Funkyama keeps moving.
Ufcowski jr stopping the sweep attempt from Funkyama.
Ufcowski jr stays in close to Funkyama's body and controls the position.

Ufcowski jr avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Ufcowski jr tries to free his leg and advance position but Funkyama is retaining full guard.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Ufcowski jr passes Funkyama's right leg, so he's now in half guard.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Pawel Ufcowski jr dominated that second round.
The referee calls time. The cornermen exit stage left and we're back to business.

Funkyama fakes high and shoots in for a takedown but Ufcowski jr avoids it really well and circles away.
Funkyama shoots in but no luck this time.
Ufcowski jr scores with a one two! Funkyama had his feet all tangled up there and couldn't avoid the strikes.
Funkyama displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Ufcowski jr throws out the jab.
Ufcowski jr thuds a mid kick into his opponent's body. That will wear on Funkyama if he has to take too many more of those.
Ufcowski jr tries to land a leg kick but Funkyama saw it coming and moves away.

Ufcowski jr throws the overhand right but ducks down into a quick takedown attempt. Funkyama was covering up waiting for the punch and Ufcowski jr finishes the takedown easily into guard.

Ufcowski jr avoids a guillotine attempt easily.
Ufcowski jr wants to control from the top but Funkyama keeps moving.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ufcowski jr seems content to control from guard here. He's going to have to remain active though if he doesn't want to get stood back up.
Ufcowski jr tries to free his leg and advance position but Funkyama is retaining full guard.

Funkyama has his foot on Ufcowski jr's thigh. He's trying to push off and get in position for a triangle, I think. Ufcowski jr works his way back into a safe position though.
Ufcowski jr controlling from the top position.
The referee claps his hands together and tells the fighters to work.
Ufcowski jr trying to control the position from guard on top but Funkyama is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.

We're going to have a standup here because Pawel Ufcowski jr wasn't active enough for the referee's liking.
Ufcowski jr moves into range and connects with a jab.
Pawel Ufcowski jr is winning the standup battle so far.
Ufcowski jr defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Funkyama.
Pawel Ufcowski jr has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Aoki Funkyama.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Funkyama is trying hard to land a takedown here. Ufcowski jr sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
Pawel Ufcowski jr seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Ufcowski jr's corner calls for a 1, 2 combination and Ufcowski jr duly obliges.
Funkyama takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
Funkyama displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Ufcowski jr throws out the jab.
Sloppy strikes from Ufcowski jr. Those never looked like landing.
Ufcowski jr throws a series of punches but Funkyama moves out of range.
Funkyama avoids the body shot from Ufcowski jr.
Funkyama goes for a double leg but Ufcowski jr avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Ufcowski jr continues to drive forward.
Funkyama has dropped down and is looking to force the takedown but it's defended by Ufcowski jr after a bit of a struggle.
Funkyama takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Ufcowski jr is trying to break the clinch but Funkyama has him pressed against the cage.
Funkyama is looking for a takedown up against the cage. Ufcowski jr gets underhooks though and prevents the takedown attempt.
Ufcowski jr scores with a shot to the side of Funkyama's head.
Ufcowski jr struggles to land a body shot inside as Funkyama controls his hands.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Ufcowski jr.
Ufcowski jr misses with a short punch on the inside.
Ufcowski jr is pressed up against the cage. Funkyama has hold of a leg and is looking to drag Ufcowski jr down to the mat. Ufcowski jr avoids the attempt though and has circled away. We're back to striking at a distance.
Boom, another hit is landed. "You're gunna get knocked out" taunts Ufcowski jr, as that shot connected.
Ufcowski jr lands a high kick!
Ufcowski jr ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Funkyama moves away.
Ufcowski jr cracks the inside of Funkyama's front leg.
No luck for Funkyama with that takedown attempt.
Funkyama shoots in for a takedown. "I don't think so" says Ufcowski jr as he avoids it easily.
Funkyama misses with a takedown
and Funkyama takes a counter punch right on the button for his troubles.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Funkyama gets his head snapped back by a nice shot there.
Ufcowski jr swings and misses with a hook to the body.

Ufcowski jr drives through with a takedown into guard.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.

Funkyama is throwing his legs up, looking for submissions. Ufcowski jr is aware though and is defending well.
Ufcowski jr stays in close to Funkyama's body and controls the position.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
The referee is pacing around the two fighters - he looks like he's thinking about a standup.

Funkyama working for submissions but it's allowed Ufcowski jr to get to half guard.
Funkyama slips a foot under and gets full guard. Nice work.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Pawel Ufcowski jr clearly takes that round.
The minute break is over - no more time for sponges and pep talks - back to the action!

Ufcowski jr misses the shot to the body.
Ufcowski jr connects with a single shot there.
Funkyama needs to keep his hands up - Ufcowski jr had a free shot at his head there.

Ufcowski jr is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in Funkyama's half guard.
Ufcowski jr slows the pace down in half guard.
Funkyama tries to roll over but Ufcowski jr keeps him under control.
Funkyama wants to control but Ufcowski jr is keeping busy and won't allow it.
Neither fighter is being very active at the moment, with Ufcowski jr in particular looking to stall.
Funkyama wants to improve his position but Ufcowski jr is controlling well.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Funkyama is looking to get full guard. It looks like he might be successful but at the last minute Ufcowski jr jumps into side control!
Funkyama tries to slip a leg under to move to half guard but Ufcowski jr presses down on the leg and jumps into full mount!
Ufcowski jr controlling the position easily from mount.
Funkyama is desperately trying to get back to half guard.
Ufcowski jr controlling from the full mount.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Funkyama tries to get back to half guard but can't.
Ufcowski jr controlling from mount.
Ufcowski jr wants to control the pace but Funkyama is squirming around nicely.
Funkyama is wriggling around trying to escape.
Ufcowski jr looking to control and managing it successfully.
Funkyama is squirming around, avoiding Ufcowski jr's attempts to control the action.

We're going to have a standup here because Pawel Ufcowski jr wasn't active enough for the referee's liking.
Funkyama shoots in and drives through. Ufcowski jr sprawls well.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Ufcowski jr scores with a nice takedown into half guard. Let's see what he's got on the ground.
Ufcowski jr with a momentary lay and pray from half guard.
Ufcowski jr trying to control from half guard but Funkyama is working away.
The referee must be thinking about standing these guys back up.
Ufcowski jr looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding.

The ref stands the fighters back up. Pawel Ufcowski jr wasn't doing enough on the ground.
Ufcowski jr misses with a low kick.
Ufcowski jr paws at his opponent with the jab and then lunges in with a straight, right on the button.
Ufcowski jr scores with a jab to the body.
Funkyama doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Ufcowski jr lands a head kick!

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Funkyama shoots in for a takedown but Ufcowski jr shows good takedown defense.
A jab lands there for Ufcowski jr.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!
Ufcowski jr connects with the punch.
Funkyama tries for a takedown but Ufcowski jr circles away easily
and Ufcowski jr counters with a three punch combination, finished off with a leg kick. Nice work.
Pawel Ufcowski jr has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Aoki Funkyama.

Ufcowski jr gets a takedown into half guard.
Funkyama is looking for a sweep. Ufcowski jr is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Ufcowski jr has freed up his trapped foot and advances to mount.
Ufcowski jr trying to control but he's not successful this time.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Pawel Ufcowski jr had his way with Aoki Funkyama in that round.
That's time! Back to the action! This is the final round!

Ufcowski jr lands a nice looking body kick.
Ufcowski jr throws a head kick that misses.
Ufcowski jr throws a leg kick but Funkyama moved away.
Ufcowski jr throws a head kick but Funkyama moves out of range.
Funkyama fails with a takedown attempt.
Funkyama moves out of range of the body kick from Ufcowski jr.
Ufcowski jr misses with a combination

and Funkyama counters with a single leg into guard. Ufcowski jr didn't expect that.
Funkyama in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Funkyama tries to free his leg and advance position but Ufcowski jr is retaining full guard.
Funkyama postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Funkyama working from the guard for now, landing some ground and pound.
Funkyama throwing strikes but missing.
Ufcowski jr looking to hit a scissor sweep but Funkyama is one step ahead there.
Funkyama is looking to advance position but Ufcowski jr has hit a scissor sweep - now he's on top in mount!
Ufcowski jr looking to control and managing it successfully.
Funkyama is in all sorts of trouble here.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ufcowski jr scores with a couple of good head shots there.
Ufcowski jr content just to control the position here.
Funkyama keeping his composure momentarily, calmly looking to get back to half guard.
Aoki Funkyama has stepped it up - he knows he needs a finish here!

That's three minutes gone in the round.
A nice elbow there by Ufcowski jr.
Funkyama bucks up and manages to get a nice reversal! He's in guard on the top - nicely done!
Ufcowski jr has control of Funkyama's left arm, preventing Funkyama from doing any damage.
Funkyama stopping the sweep attempt from Ufcowski jr.
Ufcowski jr looking to control.
We must be close to a standup if these guys don't pick up the pace.
Funkyama trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Ufcowski jr tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Ufcowski jr working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Funkyama.
Pawel Ufcowski jr is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Ufcowski jr looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Ufcowski jr has Funkyama pulled in close to control his posture.
Funkyama working in close now, lands a nice elbow to the side of Ufcowski jr's head.
Funkyama won't allow Ufcowski jr to sweep him here.
Funkyama scores with a decent looking elbow strike.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Ufcowski jr has momentary wrist control but Funkyama slips an elbow through the middle.
Funkyama in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
As the round comes to an end the crowd are showing their appreciation for a great round of action.
Funkyama stopping the sweep attempt from Ufcowski jr.
Ufcowski jr is working hard here to advance position.

And that's the end of the fight!
Aoki Funkyama comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
Well Ufcowski jr has outscored his opponent in every aspect of the fight today. Only a scarily incompetent judge or two will keep him from a well deserved win... Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 5 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Gregory Folan scores the fight 49:46
Judge Trevor Gratis scores the fight 49:46
Judge Yves DeLean scores the fight 49:46

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Pawel Ufcowski jr!
Pawel Ufcowski jr retains his lightweight title!
Pawel Ufcowski jr thanked the fans post fight for their support.